Bachelorette Contestant Eric Hill Death: ABC Producers Give Statement

Bachelor Nation was rocked this week with news that Eric Hill, who will appear on the upcoming tenth season of The Bachelorette, passed away after sustaining critical injuries in a paragliding accident over Easter weekend. As the people who knew Eric grapple with the tremendous loss, the producers of the ABC reality dating competition have released a statement expressing their sorrow.

"We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic passing of our friend, Eric Hill," the show's producers tell E! News. "Eric inspired us every day with his passion, his courage, and his adventurous spirit, and for that we are very thankful. On behalf of our cast, crew, and producers, we send our love, our thoughts, and our prayers to Eric's family during this difficult time."

In addition to the loss of a part of the Bachelor family, the producers are also likely struggling with how to proceed with the upcoming season of The Bachelorette. Although Eric had completed filming for the show, production is still ongoing, and an insider indicates that the tragedy has pushed the creators into some unfamiliar territory.

“This is really the first time something terrible has happened between time of filming and airing the season, so the network will have to figure out how to handle, and if it merits somehow editing the show differently,” the source tells E! News.

We’re sure producers will land on a way to sensitively depict Eric’s journey and honor his memory. Meanwhile, we join them in lending out thoughts and prayers to Eric’s loved ones.